Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Adventure, Fighting
- Platforms: PlayStation 4
- Developers: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Publishers: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Crows: Burning Edge: A Fistful of Crows
Introduction
Crows: Burning Edge is an action-adventure game based on the popular Crows manga series. The game was developed by Spike Chunsoft and released in Japan in 2016. It was later released in North America and Europe in 2017.
The game follows the story of Harumichi Boya, a new transfer student at the notorious Suzuran All-Boys High School. Harumichi is a kind and compassionate person, but he quickly learns that Suzuran is a dangerous place, ruled by violence and gangs.
Gameplay
Crows: Burning Edge is a third-person action game. The player controls Harumichi as he fights his way through hordes of enemies using a variety of punches, kicks, and weapons. The game features a unique “Rumble System” that allows Harumichi to team up with other characters to perform powerful combo attacks.
The game also features a variety of side missions and minigames. These missions can be completed to earn experience points and money, which can be used to upgrade Harumichi’s abilities and purchase new weapons and items.
Setting
Crows: Burning Edge is set in the fictional Suzuran All-Boys High School. Suzuran is a notorious school, known for its violence and gangs. The school is divided into several territories, each controlled by a different gang.
The game features a variety of locations, including the school building, the surrounding streets, and a nearby park. Each location has its own unique atmosphere and challenges.
Characters
Crows: Burning Edge features a large cast of characters, including both original characters and characters from the Crows manga.
- Harumichi Boya: The protagonist of the game. Harumichi is a new transfer student at Suzuran who quickly learns that the school is a dangerous place. He is a kind and compassionate person, but he is also a skilled fighter.
- Ryuhei Tatsumi: The leader of the Suzuran Crows gang. Ryuhei is a powerful fighter and a charismatic leader. He is fiercely loyal to his friends and followers.
- Ken Katagiri: The leader of the Hosen Academy gang. Ken is a skilled fighter and a ruthless leader. He is ambitious and seeks to expand his gang’s territory.
- Makoto Sugihara: The leader of the Kurotaki Alliance gang. Makoto is a skilled fighter and a wise leader. He is respected by his followers and feared by his enemies.
- Tatsuya Bitou: The leader of the Front of Armament gang. Tatsuya is a skilled fighter and a brutal leader. He is feared by his followers and enemies alike.
Story
The story of Crows: Burning Edge follows Harumichi as he tries to find his place at Suzuran High School. Harumichi is quickly caught up in the violence and gang warfare that is rampant at the school. He must fight to survive and protect his friends.
Along the way, Harumichi meets a variety of characters, both good and bad. He learns about the complex relationships between the different gangs and the history of Suzuran.
Development
Crows: Burning Edge was developed by Spike Chunsoft, a Japanese video game developer. The game was directed by Kazuya Takahashi, who previously worked on the Yakuza series.
The game was developed using the Unreal Engine 4. The developers wanted to create a game that was both faithful to the Crows manga and fun to play. They spent a lot of time researching the manga and talking to the original creators.
Reception
Crows: Burning Edge received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s faithful adaptation of the manga and its fun and engaging combat system. Others criticized the game’s repetitive missions and lack of innovation.
Despite the mixed reviews, Crows: Burning Edge was a commercial success. The game sold over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Crows: Burning Edge is a solid action-adventure game that is faithful to the Crows manga. The game features fun and engaging combat, a variety of side missions and minigames, and a large cast of characters.
While the game is not without its flaws, it is a worthwhile experience for fans of the Crows manga and action-adventure games in general.
Review Score
8/10